He grew up in Stamford, Connecticut, and was a euphonium and bass trombone player in both bands and orchestras (he was principal euphonium of the Connecticut All-State Band for two years), a background
that enabled him in later years, as a composer, to champion solo opportunities for low brass instruments.

Gaines's numerous awards include annual ASCAP Standard Awards since 2000; First Prize in the 1997 College Music Society Mid-Atlantic Chapter Student Composers Competition; and a First Prize in the World Esperanto Association's 1995 International Fine Arts Competition.

He has been an instructor for The New School's online Master of Media Technology degree program, for which he created the first Internet college-level music course for credit (on the history of electronic music technology), as well as an adjunct associate professor at University of Maryland University College.

Gaines is particularly known around the world as a champion of the international language Esperanto. The "Society and Esperanto" Foundation of Bulgaria named him an Honorary Life Member in 1994, and in 2006 the international organization Muzika Esperanto-Ligo awarded him the title of Honorary President. Esperanto magazine, published in The Netherlands,
commissioned him to write their obituary for the distinguished composer Lou Harrison after his death in 2003 (Harrison was renowned for his support and use of Esperanto in his own music).